I. Age and Other Requirements
 

1. Minimum Age - The minimum age for anyone participating in any official East Kingdom fencing activity, including regular local practices, will be 18 years of age, or the youth must provide proof that he/she is an emancipated minor.
2. Medical Condition - Gentles having medical conditions which may affect or be affected by fencing must provide written permission from their physician before being allowed to participate.  Said documents must be put on file with their local group and regional marshals.
 

Note: No skin shall show anywhere on the fencer's body, regardless of the position or stance of the fencer.
 

1. Fencing Mask - The mask must be a minimum of a 12 kilo mask, must cover the front and sides of the head, and be fastened on in such a manner as will prevent its coming off during a bout.  Marshals cannot require a punch test for a 12 kilo mask, but a warranted marshal has the right and responsibility to refuse any mask that he or she deems to be in danger of failing to protect against a hard thrust with an epee.  Upon the wearer's request, a mask may be punch tested if the equipment is available.  Masks that were not manufactured with a 12 kilo rating may be punch tested semi-annually.  A good field test, if a punch tester is not available, is to push on the mesh with a thumb.  If the mesh flexes significantly, the mask is not strong enough.
2. Thrust Resistant, Resilient Padding for the Throat and Neck - The throat and neck protection is required from the bottom edge of the jawbone down to the level of the collarbone.  The minimum is 4 oz. leather with at least 1/4 inch resilient padding or equivalent.  The bib on a modern fencing mask by itself is not sufficient.  Additional protection for the throat and neck may be a high, stiff collar, a gorget, a cowl, or the equivalent.
3. Thrust Resistant Padding for the Head - The head must be covered with a skullcap of 4 oz. leather, 4 layers of twill/ trigger/ champion cloth or an equivalent material.  As an alternative, the back of the mask may be covered with a piece of 4 oz. leather, 4 layers of twill/ trigger/ champion cloth or an equivalent material, firmly attached to the mask frame, and extending low enough to cover the back of the neck.
4. Torso and Arm Armor - The minimum is 4 oz. leather, 4 layers of twill/trigger/ champion cloth, or the equivalent.  This armor shall cover the body from the top of the shoulder to the base of the groin.  A three-weapon jacket will count as three layers of twill/ trigger/ champion cloth, and, as such, must be covered by at least one layer of tight-weave material.  If closed at the front, the edges must overlap by at least 3 inches, or a placket of 4 oz. leather, 4 layers of twill/ trigger/ champion cloth, or equivalent material must be placed beneath the closure to prevent the entry of a blade.  Protection for the underarm area is required to the level of the elbow, and must be 4 oz. leather, 4 layers of twill/ trigger/ champion cloth, or the equivalent.  The lower arms must be covered with at least one layer of tight-weave material.
5. Gloves - Leather gloves must be worn on both hands.  They must overlap the wrist openings of the sleeves by at least 3 inches, and cover any cuff opening or slashing.  Three-weapon or saber gloves are recommended.  If gloves designed  for electric equipment are used, the openings for wires must be sewn shut.
6. Groin/ Breast Armor - Male fencers shall wear a cup underneath the lower extremity armor.  Additional breast armor for females is left to individual discretion.  However, female fencers are strongly encouraged to wear additional breast armor of at least 1/4 inch resilient padding or an equivalent, such as modern fencing breast protectors.
7. Lower Extremity Armor - The lower extremities must be covered with at least one layer of tight-weave fabric to the level of the knee.  Below the knee, tights or socks may be worn so long as they are closely knit enough that skin cannot be seen through the tights or socks.  Footwear must be worn, and must completely enclose the foot, including the toes.
8. Equivalents - 4 oz. leather and 4 layers of twill/ trigger/ champion cloth are the Society standards.  Anything else must be 4 thrust tested.  The test is to be done in the following manner: Lay the material on a penetrable surface, such as the ground or a block of ethyl foam.  Kneel in front of the material, and holding the blade with your hand about ten inches apart, punch the material four times, increasing the force each time.  After each punch, examine the material, and if it has been completely penetrated or seriously damaged, it fails.  If there is no damage, or if only the top layer has been damaged, the material passes.  Note that the test blade is a foil blade, and should have a flat point, not a jagged one.  Note also that materials are only tested once, not before each tournament.  However, armor may be re-tested if a marshal feels that there is something amiss.
 
 
Note: Any armor that prevents its wearer from properly calibrating and acknowledging blows will be disallowed.

III. Weapons Specifications
 

A.   Rapiers
 
1. Foil and epee blades, including doublewide epees, are allowed.
2. Points must be capped with standard plastic or rubber fencing tips or equivalent, and must be taped with tape that contrasts in color with the blade.
3. Foil, epee, and saber bells are permitted.  Bells with openings large enough to admit a standard, capped sword point must be blocked with rigid material.  Quillions can be no longer than 12 inches.  The ends must be blunted and all edges rounded.  Quillions must be fixed in place.  Orthopedic and pistol grips are prohibited.
4. Blades may have a single, gradual curve.  Sharp bends, or more than a single curve are cause for prohibiting the use of the blade.
5. All weapons shall be fought as light two-edged weapons with a point.
6. Marshals shall disqualify weapons that are in danger of breaking.

B.   Daggers
 
1. The maximum allowable dagger length, pommel to tip, is 25 inches for a flex-dagger, and 20 inches for foam and PVC daggers.
2. Bells, grips, and quillions shall follow the specifications for rapiers (See 3.A.3 above).
3. Standard thrusting daggers shall be flexi blades, which will be capped as rapiers are (See 3.A.2 above).  Daggers made of  a combination of foam and PVC may also be used with the approval of both combatants.  PVC and foam daggers shall be capped with a standard thrusting tip: the PVC will be capped with a schedule 40 PVC cap, and shall have a striking surface of at least 2 inches in diameter with at least 1 inch of progressive resistant give.  No dagger may weigh more than 1 1/2 pounds.
4. Blows to the head and neck with flexi-daggers are allowed.  Blows to the head and neck with PVC daggers are allowed only with the approval of both combatants.
5. Flex daggers score touches in the same manner as foils or epees.  Foam and PVC daggers are thrusting only.

C.   Bucklers
 
1. When being used with foils and epees, the allowable maximum area for a buckler is 315 square inches (20 in. diameter circle).  When being used with schlager blades, bucklers of a larger area and a period weight ("targets") are permitted.
2. Bucklers shall be constructed of lightweight, rigid material, such as 1/4 inch plywood.
3. Buckler edges shall be covered to prevent splintering, not jagged or rough.
4. Striking with the buckler is strictly illegal.

D.   Cloaks

1. Cloak size, shape, and weight are left to the discretion of the user, subject to the condition that it actually be wearable as a cloak.
2. Hem weights are permitted, but shall be padded.  Rigid weights, such as bars, rods, chain, or strips of metal are prohibited.
3. The cloak may be used to entangle an opponent's weapon.  It may not be used against parts of the body.
4. Cloaks will be allowed to take multiple hits without being considered to have sustained ruinous damage to the fabric.  However, if the marshal sees things getting out of hand, he or she may step in and advise the fencer that the cloak is no longer useful.  A thrust or cut will penetrate a cloak and do damage to the fencer.
 
E.   Other Parrying Devices
 
1. Virtually any object may be used as a parry item.  For instance, sword sheaths, riding crops, coiled whips, beer mugs, etc. may be used, provided that the object poses no threat to the safety of the combatants.
2. Marshal discretion regarding the safety of the parry item is the deciding factor as to whether or not it will be permitted into the list.
 

1. Rapier - The form shall consist of a single rapier, with the second hand empty.  The fencer may use the empty hand for defense.
2. Case of Rapier - The form shall consist of two rapiers, one held in each hand.
3. Rapier and Rigid Blocking Implement - The form shall consist of one rapier and one rigid blocking implement, such as buckler, mug, etc.  Daggers are excluded from this form.
4. Rapier and Dagger - The form shall consist of one rapier and one dagger.
5. Rapier and Non-Rigid Blocking Implement - The form shall consist of one rapier and one non-rigid blocking implement, such as a cloak, hat, etc.
6. Schlager - The form shall consist of a heavier, oval cross-sectioned rapier.  The use of schlager blades is governed by specific rules, contained in Part ___ of these rules.

A.   Fencing Rules:

1. The standard of calibration shall tend toward the lightest touch which a fencer can reasonably expect to feel.  The maximum allowable pressure is that which would cause a bend of two inches in a standard #5 foil.
2. All fencers are considered to be wearing cotton, linen, or wool street clothing of the period that these rules are intended to simulate.  Skirts are to be no longer than ankle length.  Corsetting, bum rolls, or anything that drastically changes the form of the body is prohibited.
3. It is the responsibility of each fencer to determine what weapons his or her opponent is using and resolve any questions about them before combat.
4. Any portion of the body is a legal target.
5. A fleche or any other running attack is prohibited.
6. Cuts should be performed as draw-cuts using wrist action.  Whipping, hacking, and modern saber cuts are prohibited.  Draw cuts, push cuts, and tip cuts are all considered to be valid cuts.
7. Wrestling with an opponent is prohibited.
8. Striking with any portion of the weapon other than the blade is prohibited, as are other street fighting techniques such as kicking, whipping with the cloak, chopping with the buckler edge, and grabbing or trapping an opponent's blade.
9. Combat between fencing weapons and SCA tournament weapons is prohibited.
10. A fencer is considered armed so long as one offensive weapon is retained.
11. Hold will not be called for dropped weapons so long as both combatants retain an offensive weapon.  If one combatant no longer has an offensive weapon, a hold will be called.  At that point, the fencer who retains an offensive weapon has the option to either (a) return the opponent's weapon and continue the bout or (b) declare the opponent disarmed and defeated, thus ending the bout.
12. Parries with the empty hand while using single rapier are permitted and are not considered as wounding so long as the blade, not the point, touches the glove (Mail gauntlet/ mailed fist).  Pushing the opponent's hand aside is permitted under this rule, so long as the hand is not grasped.
13. All fencing is to be done in the round.
14. Except as noted above, the rules of SCA tournament combat and the conventions of honorable combat will be enforced.

B.   Criteria for Authorization
 
1. The fencer will be familiar with the rules, customs and armor requirements of SCA fencing, and particularly of the Period Fencing Rules for the East.
2. The fencer poses no threat of injury either to his opponent or to himself.
3. The fencer can define and demonstrate some defensive capability (a minimum of two or three parries).
4. The fencer can define and demonstrate some offensive capability other than just a direct attack.
5. All fencers must authorize in single rapier as their first weapons form.

C.   Scoring
 
1. Before each bout in a tournament, calibration between unfamiliar opponents will be mandatory.  Calibration is the exchange of blows between two fully armed and armored opponents, using the lightest touch that a fencer can reasonably be expected to feel.
2. A Kill is considered to be one thrust to the torso, head, or neck, one draw cut to the neck, groin, or the area below the ribcage and above the hip bone, or two draw cuts to other regions of the torso and the head.
3. An arm, hand, leg or foot is rendered unusable after a single thrust or two draw cuts to it.  If an arm is lost, it cannot be used.  If a hand is lost, it may not be used and must remain limp.  If a leg or foot is lost, a fencer may continue standing on  the unwounded leg or may kneel.  If a fencer is thrust to the hip joint or in the buttocks, or is draw cut twice to the same region, the fencer must sit on the floor or ground and may not rise up on the leg muscles.  A hip or buttock is part of the leg on the same side (i.e., a thrust to the right hip disables the right leg, and a thrust to another limb disables the fencer).
4. If a leg or foot has been disabled, the fencer may not use that leg or foot in any way that would require placing weight upon it, including moving on that leg or foot.
5. A fencer is disabled if he or she loses the use of two limbs.  A hand or foot is not considered a limb.  Note, however, that if you cannot hold a blade in either of your hands, you are disabled.
6. Any blow may be counted by the recipient as heavier than technically required if, in his or her opinion, it would have caused a disabling wound.  However, no blow may be counted as less effective than the above rules require.

D. Marshalling:
 
1. Marshals shall be specifically trained and warranted for period fencing, and shall be qualified in a minimum of three weapons forms.
2. The marshal inspecting and allowing the use of materials other than those specified in these rules is primarily responsible for the results of his or her decision.
3. Marshals shall thoroughly inspect and test fencers' weapons and equipment for compliance with SCA and Kingdom standards prior to allowing their use.
4. The Kingdom Marshallate shall institute such standards and procedures for authorizing participation in fencing at SCA events and for the warranting of fencing marshals as shall be deemed necessary.
5. All bouts shall have at least one warranted fencing marshal present.  An additional marshal or marshal-in-training is strongly encouraged.
6. The marshal of a bout has absolute say on a fencer's conduct on the field, and may summarily eject any fencer who is guilty of misconduct or unsafe behavior.
7. Fencing marshals are not subordinate to knight marshals.  They are a separate entity.
8. Marshals shall be thoroughly versed in the SCA Period Fencing Rules of the Society and the East, and shall practice such rules during any SCA fencing activity.
 

1. Except as otherwise stated expressly in this section, all sections of these Rules fully apply to the use of schlager blades.
2. Schlager blades are officially recognized for use in the East Kingdom.  However, schlager blades are sufficiently different in handling and composition from standard epee and foil blades that they require different rules, a separate authorization system, and a separate marshallate.
3. Schlager Marshals
1. There shall be a Deputy Marshal for the use of schlager blades.  He or she shall report directly to the East Kingdom Marshal of Fence.
1. The Deputy Marshal for Schlager must be authorized in the use of schlager blades and be warranted as a schlager marshal.
2. In order to assist the East Kingdom Marshal of Fence, the Deputy Marshal for Schlager will be primarily responsible for the supervision, warranting and training of schlager marshals.
3. The Deputy Marshal for Schlager will advise the Marshal of Fence on rules changes or other developments appropriate to the use of schlager blades.  The final determination on any rule or official policy having the force of a rule is to be made by the Marshal of Fence.
4. The Deputy Marshal for Schlager may make individual or case-by-case exceptions to the rules contained in this section for the purpose of experimentation.  The Deputy Marshal for Schlager shall inform the Marshal of Fence promptly and in writing whenever he or she grants such an exception.
5. The first level of review for all matters relating to the use of schlager blades will be the Deputy Marshal for Schlager.
6. Appeals from decisions made by the Deputy Marshal for Schlager go to the Marshal of Fence.
2. There shall be a separate marshallate for the use of schlager blades.
1. All schlager marshals must already be warranted fencing marshals in the East Kingdom.
2. All schlager marshals must be authorized in the use of schlager blades.
3. In order to be warranted as a schlager marshal, a fencer must: (1) be a member of the SCA; and (2) demonstrate a clear and consistent understanding of the applicable rules, consistently safe and competent use of schlager blades, and the ability to enforce the applicable rules clearly and consistently.
4. Only the Deputy Marshal for Schlager and the Marshal of Fence may warrant schlager marshals.  The Marshal of Fence does not have to be a schlager marshal in order to warrant schlager marshals.
5. Once warranted, a schlager marshal must: (1) maintain current membership in the Society; (2) maintain a current authorization in both schlager blades and standard fencing weapons forms; (3) maintain a current valid warrant as a fencing marshal; and (4) report on a consistent and regular basis to the Deputy Marshal for Schlager, according to the schedule set for local fencing marshals.  Failure to comply with any of these obligations may result in the loss of a warrant as a schlager marshal.
6. The Deputy Marshal for Schlager will review all of the warrants for schlager marshals every two years.  Schlager marshals who are no longer active or have not maintained current membership may be removed from the list of warranted schlager marshals at this time.  Nothing in this section prevents the Deputy Marshal for Schlager from removing the warrant of a schlager marshal for cause at any time.
 
4. Use of Schlager at Events and Practices
1. The primary purpose of schlager blades is to recreate more accurately the forms of Renaissance swordplay.  They have been approved for use in the East Kingdom in order to promote more accurate research and recreation.
2. Schlager blades may be used in tournaments in the East Kingdom, but only under the supervision of or with the express approval of the Deputy Marshal for Schlager and/or the Kingdom Marshal.
3. In order to use schlager blades at any official SCA event or official SCA practice, at least one fencer authorized in the use of schlager blades must be present and directly supervising the activity.  Direct and immediate supervision is not merely being present in the room when the activity is happening.
4. In addition, in order to use schlager blades at any SCA event or official SCA practice, the fencers must have the approval of the marshal in charge of the event or practice.  Marshals in charge of SCA events or official SCA practices may not unreasonably withhold approval for the use of schlager blades, or refuse to grant approval without concrete reasons.  Decisions by marshals in charge respecting the use of schlager blades at their events or official practices shall be appealable to and reviewable by the Deputy Marshal for Schlager.
5. A person who is not specifically authorized in the use of schlager blades may not use such blades at an official SCA event or official SCA practices except in the following circumstances:
1. The person is authorized in at least three (3) weapons forms and is under the direct and immediate supervision of a fencer authorized in the use of schlager blades. OR
2. The person is under the direct and immediate supervision of a schlager marshal.  Such a person need not be authorized in any other weapons forms.
6. Schlager blades shall not be used in melee, even against other schlager blades.
7. Consistent unsafe or careless use of schlager blades will result in sanctions, to be determined by the Deputy Marshal for Schlager.
5. Combat Conventions

 
1. Schlager blades will be used at a touch calibration.  Consistent excessive calibration is grounds for revocation of authorization and for such further additional sanctions as may be necessary.
2. Ecept as otherwise expressly stated in this section, the calling and counting of blows when fencing schlager blades shall conform to the existing Rules.
1. Thrusts to the head and throat are permitted upon the consent of the combatants.  Unless expressly consented to, thrusts to the head and throat are illegal.  Draw cuts to the head and throat are permitted.
2. Draw cuts with the flat of the blade shall not be counted as legal draw cuts.  Only draw cuts with the edge of the blade shall be counted.
3. Tip cuts and push cuts are legal draw cuts.
4. Hacking or sabre attacks are illegal.  Slaps, pops or other blows delivered with the side of the blade and without a visible draw cut, are illegal.
6. Weapons Standards

 
1. A schlager blade is defined as a stiff, heavy, oval cross-sectioned blade.  Schlager blades generally are 34" in length, and blade width varies from 5/8" to 1/4" at the tip.  While longer schlager blades may be allowed for use as experimental weapons, short blades are not permitted. The diamond cross-sectioned blades currently being marketed by some companies as schlager blades ARE NOT LEGAL in the East Kingdom.
2. Before placing a tip on the blade, the point of a schlager blade shall be filed or cut down flat, then filed down to remove any sharp edges.
3. A rubber archery bird blunt shall be used to cover the point of a schlager blade.  Padding or leather or a metal casing may be used to hold the bird blunt in place.  Equivalent tips for schlager blades may be approved on a case by case basis.  Standard foil and epee tips are not approved for tipping schlager blades.
4. The point end and tip of a schlager blade shall be taped with electrical tape or woven cloth tape in a color that contrasts with the color of the blade (i.e., not silver duct tape).  Tool dip is not an acceptable substitute for tape.  The tape shall not cover striking end of the schlager blade completely, but shall leave enough of the tip showing so that an inspecting marshal can tell whether the point of the blade has worn through the tip.
5. Open guards or hilts may be used as long as they are made in a period style and present no sharp edges or protrusion which would present a hazard to the fencer or an opponent.
6. With the exception of length limitations, quillions on schlager blades are subject to the same limitations as quillions as standard foil and epee blades.  Quillions of greater length are permitted when made in a period style.
7. Schlager blades may not be used against foil blades or epee blades.  Schlager blades may be used against flexi-daggers when fighting rapier and dagger.
8. Schlager blades may be used to fight the following weapons forms, in accordance with the Rules already established for these weapons forms.
1. Single Rapier
2. Rapier and Rigid Parry
3. Rapier and Dagger
4. Rapier and Cloak
5. Case of Rapier
9. Bucklers of a period size, weight and design ("targets") are approved for use with schlager blades.  Targets may exceed the current maximum size for bucklers.
7.  Armor Standards:
1. Use of schlager blades shall require the following armor in addition to that already required by these Rules:
1. Fencers must wear gorgets of at least 8 ounce top grain leather with one-quarter inch (1/4") of open cell foam padding.  Gorgets providing greater protection, such as gorgets made of steel or other rigid material, are allowed so long as they do not prevent the wearer from properly calibrating blows.
2. Period-style helmets with perforated steel face plates may be used with schlager blades so long as they provide protection equivalent to that of a 12 kilo fencing mask.
8. Authorizations with Schlager Blades
1. The use of schlager blades requires a special authorization by marshals specifically warranted for this purposes.
2. Before attempting to authorize in schlager blades, a fencer must meet the following criteria:
1. Have first obtained authorization in all five standard weapons forms;
2. Have been authorized in at least one weapons form for at least one year; and
3. Be in good standing with his or her Regional Marshal and the Marshal of Fence.  Fencers on probation or subject to other disciplinary sanction must obtain written permission from their Regional Marshals, the Deputy Marshal for Schlager and/or the Kingdom Marshal before they may attempt to authorize in the use of schlager blades.
3. In order to authorize in the use of schlager blades, a fencer must demonstrate:
1. A thorough familiarity with the rules, customs and armor standards of SCA fencing, and particularly with the period Fencing Rules for the East and the rules for the use of schlager blades;
2. An understanding of the safe and proper use of schlager blades;
3. An understanding of the differences between the rules for use of schlager blades and the rules for the use of the standard weapons forms; and
4. The ability to use schlager blades both safely and competently, so as not to present a danger to him or her self or an opponent, in all five weapons forms
4. Authorization in the use of schlager blades will be conducted by three marshals specifically warranted for this purpose.
1. All three marshals must fence with the candidate for authorization, under the observation of at least one other authorizing marshal.
2. All three marshals must agree that the candidate for authorization meets the standards for authorization.
3. Except in exceptional circumstances, a candidate for authorization with schlager blades who has failed to authorize shall not make another attempt to authorize on the same day without the express permission of at least one of the three marshals who failed him or her.
 

1. Except as specifically stated herein, fencing melees are conducted according to the same conventions and rules of combat as rattan melees.
2. A fencer must obtain engagement before attacking an opponent in the melee.  "Engagement" is defined as follows:
3. If fencers are fighting in a line, the rules of line engagement from the rattan melee rules apply.
4. No killing from behind, but experimentation is allowed upon agreement of all participants.
5. Weapons may be bound from behind by other weapons.
6. Running from place to place in a melee is permitted.  Running attacks are prohibited.  Charging a line or an individual is prohibited.
7. All disabled fencers should remove themselves from the melee field or die defensively, depending on the conditions of the field.
8. Rules in addition to those set forth here may be imposed on melees for the purposes of that event, that day or that melee only, so long as they are announced ahead of time.